Tasmania has begun vaccinating its captive orange-bellied parrots against H5 bird flu, with around 350 birds set to receive the jab over the coming months.
The program kicked off at the Five Mile Beach Wildlife Management Facility, where Deputy Premier Guy Barnett said the state and federal governments had worked together to make it happen.
“Today is the day when we start the vaccinations of the orange-bellied parrots and there will be two vaccinations,” he said.
“There will be the first vaccination, then a 2-week period, the second vaccination and then the vets of course have to monitor the bird, including during that time and then in the couple of weeks after the second vaccination.”
Once vaccinated, the parrots will be released at Melaleuca in southwest Tasmania to join the wild population ahead of their annual migration to the mainland next autumn.
Federal Minister Julie Collins said the program showed the value of early investment in scientific preparation for the bird flu response.
“It’s terrific to see the Orange-bellied Parrot being prioritised by the State Government for the vaccination program,” she said.
Wildlife biologist Clare Lawrence said eight birds that arrived from Healesville Sanctuary the night before were first in line, as they are due for release in October.
Up to 50 birds were expected to be vaccinated on the first day, starting with non-breeding birds to check for any fertility effects.
“We’re not expecting any adverse effects,” Lawrence said.
Department secretary Jason Jacobi also confirmed bird flu had been detected in new parts of the state, including a raven at Triabunna and a tern at Acton Park.
These are the first cases on Tasmania’s southeast coast, bringing the statewide total to around 55.
Jacobi said the department would shift away from reporting individual case numbers and instead flag new locations as they arise.
“We know that bird flu is here in Tasmania,” he said.
No detections have been made in commercial poultry.
The voluntary poultry housing order has been extended to the end of September and residents are being urged to keep dogs on leads near beaches and cats indoors.
